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Excelsior Nile Cruise — Rates, Facts, Photos & Booking Help

Book Excelsior Nile Cruise. Deluxe vessel sailing Aswan ↔ Luxor over 3 or 4 nights. $300 - $600 according to seasonality.

5 Stars Deluxe 63 Cabins
⭐27+ years of Nile expertise since 1998
💬24/7 support in 7 languages
💰Best price guarantee or your money back
🛡️No booking fees — pay only on confirmation
🇪🇬Egypt-based tour operator with local crews
From $300

Excelsior Nile Cruise Description

Excelsior Nile Cruise carries an official 5 Stars rating from the Egyptian Tourism Authority, is rated as a Deluxe cruise in our editorial standards, has 63 cabins, with a size of 20 m². Each cabin features a large panoramic window facing the Nile. That layout makes it a larger ship by current Nile-fleet standards, which keeps the guest-to-crew ratio favourable and the public spaces uncrowded most evenings.

Excelsior runs the regular Nile cruise route — Aswan to Luxor over three nights, Luxor to Aswan over four — at the Deluxe tier, with the temple itinerary that's defined the river-cruise format for half a century. Honestly, the boat itself isn't the headline of this trip — the temples are. What this vessel brings is reliable infrastructure for that experience: a place to sleep that's quieter than a hotel, meals that arrive on time, and the kind of unfussy hospitality that lets the destinations do the talking. Cabin sizes average around 20 m² — sized for two adults plus their luggage, neither the smallest on the Nile nor the largest, and the kind of detail you'll forget by day two unless you've packed unwisely.

There is something quietly magical about seeing Egypt from the water. Aboard Excelsior, the Nile carries you from temple to temple in comfort — sunny days on deck, relaxed evenings on board, and the ancient wonders of Luxor and Aswan never far away. A classic, easygoing way to experience the river and its history.

63
Cabins
20 m²
Avg Cabin Size
⭐
Deluxe
5★
5 Stars
3 / 4
Nights

· Last updated

🛏️ Accommodation

Each of the ship's 63 cabins is meticulously designed to be a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration. All cabins are thoughtfully appointed to maximise comfort and frame the ever-changing scenery of the Nile's banks.

  • Private en-suite bathroom with shower, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries
  • Individually controlled air conditioning
  • Satellite TV, in-house video channels, mini-bar
  • In-cabin electronic safety deposit box

🍽️ Dining & Cuisine

The main restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey in an elegant setting. Enjoy lavish open-buffet style service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, showcasing both international favourites and authentic Egyptian specialities.

🌊 Leisure & Entertainment

The expansive sundeck offers a 360° view of the river with a swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers. Evenings come alive with a curated entertainment programme — traditional performances and themed parties.

🛎️ Onboard Facilities

  • 24-hour reception
  • Laundry service
  • Onboard gift shop
  • Internet access in designated areas
  • Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Mastercard)

Specs verified · cabin counts, cabin sizes, deck features, and facility list confirmed against the operator’s published sheet.

Excelsior Nile Cruise Photos

Browse the gallery to see Excelsior's cabins, dining, sundeck and exterior. Click any image to enlarge.

Excelsior Nile Cruise — Outside View
Excelsior Nile Cruise — Reception
Excelsior Nile Cruise — Standard Cabin
Excelsior Nile Cruise — Lounge
Excelsior Nile Cruise — Restaurant
Excelsior Nile Cruise — Sun Deck

Excelsior Nile Cruise Rates in USD

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Optional Add-ons
📅 April 27 – September 26
📅 September 27 – April 26 (excluding Easter window)
📅 Dec 20–26 / Easter ±5 days
📅 December 27 – January 2
Note:
  • All rates are per person in USD, full-board with all sightseeing included.
  • Holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter, New Year) carry a supplement reflecting peak demand.
  • Single supplement 50% of Adult in Double cabin rate.
  • Triple reduction 3% of Adult in Double rate.
  • Junior Suite Rate is equal to two Single Cabins.
  • Royal & Presidential Suites Rate is equal to two Double Cabins.
  • For cruise-only without sightseeing, deduct $120 from the 3-night price and $160 from the 4-night price.

Excelsior Nile Cruise Children Policy

Children pricing on Excelsior Nile Cruise — applies to all departures and seasons unless otherwise noted at booking.
Age category / arrangement Rate
Infant (under 3 years)Free of charge — Maximum 1 free Infant per Cabin; second Infant in cabin will be charged Child Rate
Child (3 – 12 years)50% of the adult rate
Child (12 years or older)Full adult rate
Maximum children per cabin1 child sharing 2 adults, or 2 children sharing 1 adult
1 child + 1 adult sharing one cabinNo discount — same rate as 2 adults in double cabin
2 children in a separate cabinSame rate as 1 adult in single cabin

What's Included & What's Not

✅ The Rate Includes

  • Accommodation for 3 or 4 nights in your chosen cabin category
  • Transfer from airport, train station or hotel on arrival
  • Full-board dining: breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • All guided sightseeing tours per the standard 3 / 4-night itinerary
  • Services of a licensed, professional Egyptologist guide
  • All entrance fees to historical sites named in the itinerary (Except Optional Tours)
  • Departure transfer to airport / train station

❌ The Rate Excludes

  • Tours not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional excursions (e.g. Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon)
  • Beverages: water, soft drinks, alcohol
  • Tipping for cruise crew and guide (gratuities)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees

Before you book: Review the full payment, amendment, and refund terms in our Cancellation Policy.

Excelsior is your best fit if

  • You prefer a traditional window cabin over a balcony — Excelsior's cabins have river-facing windows.
  • You want the amenity range of a larger Nile vessel — Excelsior has 63 cabins, among the larger ships sailing the Aswan–Luxor route.
  • You want 5-star quality at value-tier pricing — Excelsior delivers deluxe-class amenities without the ultra-luxury premium.

Excelsior isn't your best fit if

  • You're booking for three adults sharing a cabin — consider booking 1 Double + 1 Single instead of a Triple Cabin, or book another cruise with a larger cabin size.
  • If you need an elevator between decks, consider Al Nabilatan, King Of Thebes, and Astra.
  • If you specifically want suite-only accommodation, try to use our search bar and find an All-Suites cruise.
  • If you want a restored heritage vessel, consider Karim, Sudan, and Memnon.
  • If you want a walk-out balcony instead of a French balcony, try to use our search bar and find an Outside Balcony cruise.

Itineraries

Excelsior sails the classic Aswan↔Luxor route. Choose between a 3-night cruise (Aswan → Luxor) or a 4-night cruise (Luxor → Aswan).

3-Night Itinerary: Aswan → Luxor

Day 1 Arrival in Aswan & Gateway to Ancient Nubia — Embark Excelsior. Visit the Aswan High Dam and Temple of Philae. Overnight docked in Aswan.
Day 2 The Duality of Gods & The Triumph of Horus — Sail aboard Excelsior to Kom Ombo Temple, then continue to Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
Day 3 Sailing to Thebes, the World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum — Leisurely sail aboard Excelsior to Luxor. Afternoon: Optional Tour to Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple at sunset.
Day 4 Journey into the Afterlife & Departure — West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Disembark Excelsior with departure transfer.

Full detailed 3-Night Aswan → Luxor itinerary →

4-Night Itinerary: Luxor → Aswan

Day 1 Arrival in Luxor, the Ancient Capital of Thebes — Embark Excelsior. Afternoon: Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 2 The Realm of Eternity & The Victorious Falcon God — West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Sail aboard Excelsior to Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
Day 3 The Dual Temple & The Journey into Nubia — Morning at Kom Ombo. Scenic sail aboard Excelsior to Aswan. Overnight aboard Excelsior in Aswan.
Day 4 Aswan’s Treasures: Ancient Engineering and Island Sanctuaries — Aswan High Dam, Temple of Philae, then a relaxing felucca sail. Final night aboard Excelsior.
Day 5 Farewell to the Nile — Final breakfast aboard Excelsior, disembark with departure transfer.

Full detailed 4-Night Luxor → Aswan itinerary →

Frequently Asked Questions

Specifics about Excelsior — class and rating, cabin layout, itineraries, departure days, and the practicalities of sailing on this particular vessel.

What is the official Egyptian Tourism Authority rating of Excelsior?
Excelsior carries an official 5 Stars rating from the Egyptian Tourism Authority — the government body that classifies all Nile cruise vessels operating between Luxor and Aswan. This rating is based on cabin standards, dining facilities, public spaces, and crew-to-guest ratios, and is reviewed periodically. It's separate from any tour-operator's editorial rating, and you'll see it cited in official Egyptian travel directories and tourism literature.
What is your editorial rating of Excelsior?
In our editorial rating, we classify Excelsior as a Deluxe Nile cruise. This is our independent assessment based on over 25 years of regular onboard inspections, crew interviews, cabin walkthroughs, and feedback from past guests. It typically tracks the official Egyptian Tourism Authority rating closely, but factors in elements the official rating doesn't cover — such as service consistency, food quality on a typical sailing rather than an inspection day, and the practical condition of the cabins and public spaces.
How many cabins does Excelsior have?
Excelsior has 63 cabins. For context, the typical Nile cruise vessel runs between 30 and 80 cabins, which puts Excelsior in the on the larger side category — a fuller social atmosphere with multiple lounges and the kind of programming budget that smaller vessels can't match.
What is the average cabin size on Excelsior?
Cabins on Excelsior average 20 m² (including the en-suite bathroom). That's in line with the typical Nile-fleet cabin (which runs 20–24 m²). Cabins of this size are designed efficiently — bed, wardrobe, en-suite, and a small desk fit comfortably, with enough floor space for one open suitcase at a time.
Does Excelsior offer lower-deck cabins?
No — Excelsior does not have lower-deck cabin inventory. All staterooms are on the main and upper decks, which means river views are above the waterline rather than at it. This typically translates into a slightly higher entry-level rate than vessels that include lower-deck rooms, but the upside is that every cabin gets the elevated viewing angle as standard.
Do the cabins onboard Excelsior have a balcony?
No — Cabins on Excelsior are configured with large panoramic windows facing the Nile rather than any kind of balcony. The windows are sized to give a full river view from inside the cabin, which keeps interior square-footage uncompromised by a deck extension. (For reference: the Nile fleet uses three cabin configurations — full private outside balconies, French balconies that open onto a flush rail, or panoramic-window staterooms like these.) River-watching on this boat happens primarily from the sundeck and the panoramic forward lounge, both of which are designed for the long sailing legs between temple stops.
Does Excelsior have an elevator on board?
No — Excelsior does not have an onboard elevator. Guest decks are connected by stairs only. This is worth knowing if you're booking for travellers with limited mobility, or for anyone who'd rather not negotiate stairs after long temple-walking days. Most Nile vessels are compact enough that the staircase is manageable for the majority of guests, but it's a real consideration for some — flag any mobility concerns at booking and we can advise on suitable alternatives.
Are all cabins on Excelsior configured as suites?
No — Excelsior is not an all-suite vessel. Cabin inventory is a mix of standard cabins and (where the boat offers them) larger upgraded categories such as junior suites or executive suites. Standard cabins on this boat run to roughly 20m² with the en-suite bathroom included, in line with typical Nile-fleet sizing.
Is Excelsior a modern build or a restored heritage vessel?
Excelsior is a modern-build vessel, designed and constructed for contemporary Nile cruise standards rather than restored from an earlier era. Modern boats offer standardised cabin layouts, current safety and HVAC systems, and the kind of public-area amenities (sundeck pool, full-spec dining room, panoramic lounges) that heritage vessels often don't accommodate. The trade-off is character: a modern boat feels more like a floating hotel than a piece of Nile travel history.
Is Excelsior currently in active service?
Yes — Excelsior is currently in active service and accepting bookings on its standard 3-night and 4-night Aswan–Luxor itineraries. Specific available dates depend on the season and the boat's docking schedule; we'll confirm exact departures once you tell us your preferred travel window.
What cruise lengths does Excelsior offer?
Excelsior offers two cruise lengths: a 3-night cruise (Aswan → Luxor) and a 4-night cruise (Luxor → Aswan). Combined 7-night round-trips are not currently offered on this boat. If you want a 7-night Nile experience, we can recommend boats in the same class and budget that do offer the combined itinerary.
What route does Excelsior sail, and what does each itinerary cover?
Excelsior sails the classic Aswan–Luxor route. Both the 3-night and 4-night packages cover the same major temple groups but in opposite order: the 3-night runs Philae and the High Dam in Aswan, then Kom Ombo, then Edfu, then Luxor's east and west banks (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut). The 4-night reverses that direction. Temple stops, dining cadence, and guided-tour quality are equivalent on both packages — choose based on your preferred pace and direction of travel.
Which days of the week does Excelsior depart?
Departure schedules for Excelsior are seasonal, but the regular pattern is: the 3-night cruise from Aswan operates on multiple days each week, and the 4-night cruise from Luxor operates on multiple days each week. Specific available dates vary by month — we'll confirm exact departures when you enquire.
What are the check-in and check-out times on Excelsior?
Check-in on Excelsior is from 12:00 noon on your embarkation day, and check-out is at 9:00 AM on your final day. Lunch is served on board on embarkation day, so plan to be on board by midday. If your flight arrives early or departs late, we can arrange day-use of a hotel room in Luxor or Aswan; just let us know at booking.
What languages are spoken on board Excelsior?
Crew on Excelsior speak English fluently. Many staff members also speak German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, and Arabic. Tour guides for the temple visits are assigned based on your spoken language preference — let us know your language at booking and we'll match you to a guide accordingly.
What currencies are accepted on Excelsior?
Excelsior accepts EGP (Egyptian Pounds), USD, EUR, and GBP for onboard purchases. Most travellers find it easiest to pay in their home currency or USD, since onboard exchange rates are typically competitive with airport bureaux. Smaller-denomination notes are useful for tipping crew and guides at the end of the cruise.
What payment methods does Excelsior accept?
Excelsior accepts both cash and major credit cards (VISA and Mastercard) at the front desk and bar. Tips for the crew are typically given in cash at the end of the cruise. ATMs are available in Luxor and Aswan if you need to withdraw additional cash mid-trip — the boat's reception can point you to the nearest one when you dock.
How much deposit do I need to book the Excelsior Nile cruise?
You can secure your Excelsior booking with a 20% deposit at the time of booking — you do not need to pay the full amount up front. The remaining balance can be paid in equal monthly instalments at 0% interest, with the final instalment due 30 days before your travel date.
Can I pay for the Excelsior cruise in monthly instalments?
Yes. After the 20% booking deposit, the balance can be spread across equal monthly instalments at 0% interest — there is no added finance cost. The last instalment is due 30 days before your package date.
Can I change my Excelsior cruise date or swap cruises for free?
Yes. You can change your travel date free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any seasonal price difference), or swap to a different cruise free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any price difference between the two cruises). Name changes are free up to 7 days before your package date.
Is the Excelsior cruise price protected against future increases?
Yes. Once you book, your price is protected against any future increase in cruise rates, fuel prices, government taxes, or entrance fees. If the price instead drops after you book, you receive the difference back under the same booking conditions.
What happens if my Excelsior cruise is cancelled or disrupted?
If an operational issue affects your specific cruise (for example urgent maintenance or a cruise-specific force-majeure event), you are reassigned to a similar or higher-category cruise with your original conditions and cabin guarantees unchanged — no downgrade. In the event of a national or global shutdown affecting all cruises (such as a pandemic, airspace closure, or navigation suspension), you can either postpone to a later date free of charge keeping the exact same booked plan, or receive a full 100% refund.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for the Excelsior Nile cruise?
If you cancel 61 or more days before arrival, cancellation is free of charge with a full refund. After that, a cancellation fee applies on a sliding scale based on the total price: 15% for cancellations 60 to 46 days before arrival, 25% for 45 to 31 days, 50% for 30 to 16 days, and 100% for 15 days or fewer before arrival. A no-show is charged at 100% of the total price. Note this is separate from changes: you can change your travel date or swap cruises free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any price difference).

Looking for general Nile-cruise information? For visa requirements, packing checklists, tipping etiquette, dress codes, optional excursions, and the daily rhythm of cruise life, see our Comprehensive Nile Cruise Guide for First-Timers — the answers in that guide apply to every Nile cruise on the route, including Excelsior.

Why Book With Nile-Cruise-Egypt.com?

We’ve spent 25+ years booking Nile cruises and treat every reservation as the start of a long-term relationship, not a one-off transaction. Here’s what that means in practice:

  • Honest cruise matching, not the highest commission — we recommend the boat that fits your budget, dates, and travel style, even when it isn’t the one paying us the most.
  • One named consultant from enquiry to disembarkation — you won’t be passed between agents or talk to a different person each time you email.
  • No bait pricing — the rate you see is the rate you pay; cabin upgrades, optional excursions, and seasonal supplements are quoted up-front, never sprung at checkout.
  • Operator-direct rates — we work directly with Nile cruise operators, so what you pay is comparable to booking the boat yourself, with the added safety net of our support throughout.
  • Egypt-based, on-the-ground support — our office is in Cairo, not a call centre in another country; if something needs fixing during your trip, we can act on it locally and immediately.
  • Most travellers return or refer us — repeat bookings and word-of-mouth referrals make up the majority of our work, which is the only customer-satisfaction metric we trust.

From your first enquiry through to disembarkation, our priority is honest guidance, peace of mind, and a Nile cruise you’ll remember as a personal experience — not just a trip.

Family Travel, Made Effortless

A Nile cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel Egypt with family. Unpack once — your floating hotel moves with you, so there are no early-morning hotel checkouts, no repacking, and no long road transfers between cities. You wake up already at the next temple.

We take the logistics off your plate so you can focus on the experience:

  • Transfers handled — airport pickups and all moves between the boat and the sites are arranged for you.
  • Meals included — full-board dining on board, so there’s no hunting for restaurants with tired, hungry children.
  • Expert Egyptologist guides — licensed guides bring the temples to life at a pace that keeps all ages engaged.
  • Everything in one place — pool, dining, sun deck and cabins together, so families stay close and relaxed between excursions.

The result: less stress, fewer logistics, and more time making memories together.

A Shared Ship, Your Own Experience

You travel alongside other guests, but your experience stays very much your own. The ship is the setting — how you enjoy it is up to you.

  • Your private cabin — every cabin has its own en-suite bathroom and individual climate control, so your space is entirely yours, set to your comfort.
  • Dine your way — share a table and meet fellow travellers, or keep to yourselves; the choice is yours at every meal.
  • Private excursions on request — prefer to explore the temples with your own guide and vehicle rather than the group? We can arrange private touring for you.
  • Your own pace — join every activity or simply relax on the sun deck and watch the Nile drift by. Nothing is compulsory.

It’s the ease of a guided cruise with the privacy and flexibility of independent travel.

Why Book Now Rather Than Later

There’s no pressure here — but there are real, practical reasons not to leave Excelsior sitting in a browser tab. Booking now removes risk rather than adding it:

  • Cabins and dates are limited — each boat sails on a fixed schedule with a fixed number of cabins. Popular dates and the best cabin categories sell first; once a departure fills, no amount of budget brings it back.
  • Today’s price can rise — Nile cruise rates move with fuel costs, temple entrance fees, and government taxes. When those go up, published prices follow. The figure you see today is not guaranteed to be there next month.
  • Your deposit locks today’s price — place your 20% deposit and the rate you were quoted is held for your booking, even if prices rise afterwards. You are protected from increases the moment you confirm.
  • There’s no downside to securing it — with a low 20% deposit, 0% interest instalments on the balance, and free date, cruise, and name changes, booking early costs you nothing in flexibility. You simply lock the cabin and the price, and keep your options open.

In short: waiting risks losing your cabin or paying more, while booking now secures both — with every guarantee below standing behind your reservation.

Booking Guarantees & Flexibility

Every Excelsior booking with Nile-Cruise-Egypt.com comes with the guarantees below. These are the same terms set out in our booking contract and cancellation policy — summarised here so you know exactly where you stand before you pay.

Flexible, transparent payment

  • 20% deposit to book. You secure your cabin with a 20% deposit at the time of booking — not the full amount up front.
  • 0% interest instalments. Pay the balance in equal monthly instalments at no added cost. The final instalment is due 30 days before your travel date.

Cabin guarantees

  • No lower-deck cabins, guaranteed. You will never be placed in a lower-deck cabin.
  • Top-deck assurance. A guaranteed top-deck cabin is available for a 10% supplement — or free of charge as top check-in priority, subject to availability on the day.

Change & cancellation flexibility

  • Free date change up to 30 days before your travel date (subject to any seasonal price difference).
  • Free cruise swap up to 30 days before travel (subject to any price difference between the two cruises).
  • Free name change up to 7 days before travel.

Price protection

  • Locked-in price. Your price is protected against any future increase in cruise rates, fuel prices, government taxes, or entrance fees.
  • Price-drop refund. If the price drops after you book, you receive the difference back (same booking conditions apply).

If an operational issue affects your cruise

Examples: urgent maintenance, administrative issues, or a cruise-specific force-majeure event.

  • Reassignment to a similar or higher-category cruise.
  • Conditions guaranteed — your original plan’s terms stay exactly as booked.
  • No downgrade — you keep all rights, privileges, and cabin guarantees.

If there is a national or global shutdown

Examples: pandemic, airspace closure, navigation suspension, or any force-majeure event affecting all cruises.

  • Postpone free of charge — move to a later date keeping the exact same booked plan, benefits, and conditions; or
  • Full refund — receive a 100% refund.

Full terms, definitions, and any conditions are set out in our booking contract. If anything here is unclear, your dedicated consultant will walk you through it before you commit.

Ready to Sail on Excelsior?

Our Nile cruise specialists are here to help you craft an unforgettable journey aboard Excelsior. No pressure, no hidden fees — just expert advice from a team that's been doing this since 1998.